Page:Dawn of the Day.pdf/176

140 causes us great joy and elevation. We try to divine what may allay his pain, and give it to him: if he wants words of comfort, kind glances, attentions, services, presents, we give them; but above all, if he wishes to see us suffer through his suffering, we feign to be suffering ; yet, in all this, we feel the enjoyment of active gratitude: which, in short, is revenge. If he either wants nor accepts anything from us, we depart chilled and sad, almost grieved; it seems as though our gratitude were declined—on this point of honour even the kindest will be a stickler. From all this it follows that, even in the most favourable case, there is something degrading in suffering and something elevating and superior in sympathy; which fact, in all eternity, will separate the two sensations. —Yon assert that the moral of pity has a greater power than that of stoicism? Prove it! but mind, do not measure the “higher” and “ lower” standard in morality by moral yards: for there are no absolute morals. Hence take the yard measures from elsewhere and—be on your guard ! —After an unsuccessful war we always look for the person who is to “blame” for the